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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead advanced manufacturing strategies and develop a high-performing engineering team.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence, committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on innovative technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while driving cutting-edge manufacturing excellence.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in aerospace or similar sectors.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.
What does the role look like?
We are recruiting for a site Manufacturing Engineering leadership role that will lead the Manufacturing Engineering function for our Actuation HQ. In this role you will oversee advanced manufacturing strategy, industrialisation of new technologies and products, and development of a strong, capability-driven engineering team. While aerospace experience is ideal, candidates from similarly complex, regulated, high-precision manufacturing environments are also welcomed. The focus is on driving reliability, manufacturability, and competitive advantage through technical excellence and disciplined execution.
What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Shape and deliver the site's advanced manufacturing roadmap, including automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, non-conventional processes, and next-generation aerospace production technologies.
- Evaluate and implement new equipment, techniques, and process innovations that enhance capability, repeatability, and cost competitiveness.
- Embed a data-led culture using real-time process monitoring, statistical control, and advanced analytics to improve yield and quality.
- Industrialisation & New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Own the industrialisation strategy for new programmes, modifications, and design changes, ensuring robust manufacturability and compliance with aerospace standards.
- Lead cross-functional readiness reviews, sign-off processes, and validation activities (PFMEAs, control plans, FAIR/AS9102 requirements).
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Operations to build designs, processes, and tooling that deliver right-first-time launch.
- Reduce development and ramp-up time by strengthening NPI frameworks, technology readiness assessments, and production readiness plans.
- Team Leadership & Capability Development
- Lead and grow a high-performing Manufacturing Engineering team covering process engineering, automation, industrialisation, CI, and tooling.
- Set and manage clear priorities across cost, quality, delivery, and capability development.
- Build future talent through structured development pathways, mentoring, succession planning, and skills uplift.
- Promote rigorous problem-solving (8D, RCCA) and disciplined operating rhythms aligned to aerospace standards and customer expectations.
- Operational Excellence & Compliance
- Own process stability and continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, flow, OEE, and scrap reduction.
- Ensure alignment with aerospace regulations and standards (AS9100, NADCAP, customer-specific requirements).
- Oversee capital investment aligned to long-term aerospace programme requirements and technology competitiveness.
- Work closely with Maintenance and Operations to maximise asset performance and embed robust process control.
What will you bring to the role?
Essential skills:
- Leadership experience in Manufacturing Engineering within aerospace or a similarly complex, regulated sector (e.g., defence, automotive, precision engineering, high-value industrials).
- Proven track record in automation, industrialisation, process optimisation, and large-scale production improvement.
- Previous knowledge or experience of leading high performance teams.
Desirable skills:
- Demonstrated success launching new products or technologies in a demanding engineering environment.
- Deep understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving.
- Familiarity with aerospace standards (AS9100, FAIRs, PPAP/APQP equivalents, NADCAP) advantageous but not mandatory for top-tier candidates from other advanced sectors.
- Excellent cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Strategic thinker with a delivery mindset and high technical credibility.
- Comfortable leading transformation and championing modern manufacturing technologies.
- Structured, analytical, and driven by continuous improvement.
Head of Manufacturing Engineering in Wolverhampton employer: Safran
Contact Detail:
Safran Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing Engineering in Wolverhampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Safran and its competitors. Understand their products, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission of a safer, more sustainable world.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Think of specific situations where you demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, or innovation in manufacturing engineering. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can drive reliability and competitive advantage.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Safran and ready to take on the challenges of advanced manufacturing.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing Engineering in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Manufacturing Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in manufacturing engineering, especially in complex environments like aerospace or defence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell your story! Explain why you're passionate about contributing to a safer, more sustainable world through advanced manufacturing. Connect your experience with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills and knowledge of automation, industrialisation, and process optimisation. Mention any relevant certifications or methodologies you’re familiar with, like Lean or Six Sigma.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran
✨Know Your Manufacturing Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in advanced manufacturing, especially in aerospace. Be ready to discuss automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing techniques. Showing that you’re up-to-date with industry standards will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in developing talent and driving performance improvements. They’ll want to see that you can inspire and manage a high-performing team.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role emphasises a data-led culture, come prepared to discuss how you've used data analytics to improve processes and quality. Share specific instances where your analytical skills made a significant impact on production outcomes.
✨Understand Compliance and Standards
Familiarise yourself with aerospace regulations like AS9100 and NADCAP, even if you don’t have direct experience. Being able to talk about compliance and how it affects manufacturing processes will show that you understand the industry's complexities.
